Billy Williams

The contractor who admitted ripping off the New Hanover County ABC Board will avoid jail time. A federal judge today sentenced Lee Cowper to three years probation and a $25,000 fine. Full story...

In day two of the Billy Williams trial, jurors heard testimony from a key witness: contractor Lee Cowper. Williams, the former New Hanover County ABC administrator is accused of making an illegal agreement with Cowper to build a two-story garage at Williams's home. Full story...

Former Alcoholic Beverage Control administrator Billy Williams's trial started this morning. He's charged with making an illegal deal with a contractor who was building him a two-story garage for his home. Full story...

A former Alcoholic Beverage Control administrator is ready for his day in court. Full story...

Former New Hanover County Alcoholic Beverage Control Administrator Billy Williams will not go on trial in New Hanover County. Instead, his trial is moving to Onslow County, as long as some administrative hurdles can be cleared. Full story...

"Today, I discovered a contribution from William "Billy" Ray Williams among our 14,000 individual contributions in 2010. In advance of any legal conclusions and without accusation or provocation, we have returned Mr. Williams' contribution." Full story...

Former New Hanover County ABC administrator Billy Williams made his first appearance in New Hanover County court Tuesday morning, pleading not guilty to felony charges claiming he paid for private construction on his property with public money. Full story...

For the last several months, state and federal investigators have been investigating the New Hanover County ABC Board, including the activities of its former administrator Billy Williams. Full story...

According to the Criminal Information, Lee Cowper outbid other contractors for the construction of four ABC stores in the New Hanover County area. In June, 2006, COWPER entered into an oral agreement with the New Hanover County ABC administrator to build a detached two-story garage on the administrator’s residential property for $100,000. Construction was completed on the garage on October 2, 2006. COWPER received two separate payments of $40,000 and $60,000 from the administrator. However, the total cost to COWPER for the garage was $143,148. Full story...

The state Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission on Tuesday acknowledged that the liquor board in New Hanover County is the focus of state and federal investigations - reports WRAL.com. Full story...